[ÄÂ·kwÄâ²tÉr] Etymology: L, aequator, equalizer. an imaginary line encircling a globe, equidistant from the poles, used in anatomical nomenclature to designate such a line on a spherical organ, dividing the surface into two approximately equal parts. Also spelled aequator.
It's a Wonderful Life entered the public domain by accident. In 1946, when the movie was filmed, U.S. copyright protection lasted 28 years and could be renewed for another 28 years by filing some paperwork and paying a nominal fee. However, Republic Pictures, the original copyright owner and producer of Wonderful Life, neglected to renew the 1946 copyright in 1974.
1 Published before 1923 - now in public domain. 2  Published from 1923 to 1963 - When published with a copyright notice Â© or Copyright [dates] by [author/owner] - copyright protection lasts 28 years and could be renewed for an additional 67 years for a total of 95 years. 3  If not renewed, now in public domain.